Why Social Justice Should Be Everyone's "Thing"

Galatians 5:13 says, "Serve on another in love," and whether you are a religious filled person or not, the idea of serving those around you should not be defined based on if someone goes to church or believes in a higher being. While, for me, the reason why I serve is deeply rooted in faith, for many, it is simply because people enjoy people. The other day, I had a friend refer to me as the "social-justice-driven girl." While I clearly identify as that, it was an eye-opening label. Shouldn't we all strive to be called this? We should all aim to be compassionate and caring people. We should get joy from helping others, rather than being okay with letting injustices occur freely in the world.

I am involved in a national organization called the Bonner Service Leader Program in which we serve with non-profits in the area creating sustainability within the organization. Prior to attending college, I always knew that social justice was important. I would volunteer at soup kitchens, help out at my church, or assist people in the local nursing home. I knew that people needed to be treated equally and that injustices needed to be addressed, but I did not develop the passion that I have for social justice that I do now, after one year at college.

Social justice is not for people who think they are better than others. It is not for only white people. It is not for only faith-filled people. You do not have to be the valedictorian of your class or the class president. You, yourself could be affected first hand by some form of injustice. Being a Social Justice driven individual is for everyone and should be everyone's thing. We all live in the same world and should be working together, rather than working against people.

I am not trying to stir up political drama but with the current election and the racism and lack of care for social justice issues in our country as demonstrated by one candidate, it has made me realize that our world needs to get everyone on the same page when it comes to social justice. It brings me to tears thinking that our potential political leader could be someone who is fueling his actions on such racist and hate filled concepts. We need to focus on the value of humanity, the purpose of community, and the greatness in diversity and uniqueness. It is what makes our country great ALREADY!

So let your call to action be making social justice your passion. Be that person that challenges what is necessary. Promote peace. Encourage diversity. Promote change where change is needed. Grow and learn.

17 Empowering Bible Verses For Women

We all have those days where we let the negative thoughts that we're "not good enough," "not pretty enough" or "not smart enough" invade our minds. It's easy to lose hope in these situations and to feel like it would be easier to just give up. However, the Bible reminds us that these things that we tell ourselves are not true and it gives us the affirmations that we need. Let these verses give you the power and motivation that you're lacking.

1. Proverbs 31:25

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future."

2. Psalm 46:5

"God is within her, she will not fall."

3. Luke 1:45

"Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her."

4. Proverbs 31:17

"She is energetic and strong, a hard worker."

5. Psalm 28:7

"The Lord is my strength and my shield."

6. Proverbs 11:16

"A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth."

7. Joshua 1:9

"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

8. Proverbs 31:30

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised."

9. 1 Corinthians 15:10

"By the grace of God, I am what I am."

10. Proverbs 31:26

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."

11. Psalm 139:14

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

12. 1 Peter 3:3-4

"Don't be concerned about the outward beauty of fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry, or beautiful clothes. You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."

13. Colossians 2:10

"And in Christ you have been brought to fullness."

14. 2 Timothy 1:7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

15. Jeremiah 29:11

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.'"

16. Exodus 14:14

"The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm."

17. Song of Songs 4:7

"You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way."

Next time you're feeling discouraged or weak, come back to these verses and use them to give you the strength and power that you need to conquer your battles.

The Power Of Journaling

In a world where everything is moving so fast pace, I have found comfort in taking small moments to reflect on the blurring images around me. I have always loved to journal, but recently I have found a system that works very well for me.

One habit that I have newly formed is creating a section in my journal that I like to call "Get Out of My Head." Life moves very fast and sometimes my thoughts can't keep up. This causes stress, anxiety, sadness and even the feeling of loneliness. I have created this section in my journal to be a safe place where I can just scribble down whatever is taking over my head, but there is a trick.

Like I stated previously, I have always loved to journal, but I never found ultimate comfort in it because I would go back and read what I wanted to remove from my mind. This was causing me to reexperience what I didn't want to. I highly suggest having a place in your journal that is essentially a flame for all th4e thoughts you want to rid of.

On the contrary, have a section in your journal where you love to look. I try and fill this section with happy thoughts, quotes, verses, and gratitude. This makes journaling and reading your entries something to look forward to, rather than not.

In conclusion, journaling is unique for everyone and it takes some time to figure out exactly the right way. But once you discover the safe place that journaling can be, it can change your life forever.